Raúl ávila's met gala masterpieces: from gilded birdcages to floating towers

For over a decade, event designer Raúl Ávila has pushed the boundaries of creativity at the Met Gala, transforming the Metropolitan Museum of Art into breathtaking spectacles that leave guests in awe. Ávila's debut in 2007 set the tone for his innovative approach, crafting a Poiret-inspired gilded birdcage nearly 20 feet high, complete with two live peacocks.

Years of rising to the occasion

Each subsequent year has seen Ávila outdo himself, from the 25-foot-tall floral flamingo centerpiece in 2019 to the papal rose crown in 2018. In 2013, he flew in a chandelier from London, rigging it with aluminum 'razor blades' for the punk-themed bash.

Ávila's designs are more than mere decorations – they're immersive experiences that transport guests to otherworldly realms. His 2024 enchanted forest installation in the Temple of Dendur promises to be another unforgettable masterpiece.

As the Met Gala approaches for its 2026